Let's keep Colorado on the leading edge of psychedelic medicine work by coming together in community to learn, share, and grow. Each Psychedelic Professionals Meetup Group starts with an informative topic relevant to research, practice, policy, or activism around psychedelic medicines, followed by open discussion and an opportunity to connect with like-minded others.
In 2024, Mushies (“Magic Mushrooms”) are the most-used psychedelic substance in the United States. The popularity of fungi medicine is partially due to the healing and wellness that they offer to community members who sit with these substances. With diverse indigenous groups working with this sacred medicine for over 6,000 years it is not too surprising that individuals and friend groups acknowledge the wisdom and power of mushies. As we experience the destigmatization and normalization of fungi medicine in Colorado, the entheogens are increasingly becoming conflict zones where struggles over western medical approaches to research and indigenous science are played out. My interactive presentation showcases some of the challenges facing supporters of fungi medicine in Colorado and opportunities to intervene in the commodification process. Short video clips of BIPOC participants in the CU Denver psilocybin study will be screened to generate discussion about how the emerging fungi medical industrial complex can work better for more people.
Marty is an Associate Professor in the Anthropology Department, University of Colorado Denver. Some of his research and creative work areas are psilocybin use BIPOC and low income individuals in Colorado, health and labor rights among cannabis workers in Colorado, and cannabis growing as an alternative to tobacco growing in Malawi, Africa. In fall 2024, he is analyzing over 95 recorded interviews with community members about use patterns and concerns about the decriminalization of psilocybin in Colorado as part of a research study to destigmatize and normalize psilocybin medicine. Marty and co-author Aaraon Diaz (Mexico City) published the first two volumes in a four-volume book series Breaking Stigmas: Art and Cannabis in North America (Center for Research on North America of the National Autonomous University of Mexico) in 2024. Marty is the organizer of the Perspectives on Psychedelics: BIPOC Speaker Series and producer of the community access television program Getting High on Anthropology.
Suggested donation of $10, payable at the door. Door fee goes toward paying for the rented venue and supporting the non-profit work of The Nowak Society. If you have ideas for topics or presentations for these meetup groups or would like to be more involved, please contact us!
Finally, if you have a brochure, flyer or business card you want to display, please bring them! We kindly request that anything advertised is legal and aboveboard, but otherwise we're happy to make space for you to share your offerings with the larger community.
For more information and to RSVP, visit
https://www.thenowaksociety.org/events
Also check out other Meetups in Boulder, Health & Wellness events in Boulder, Arts events in Boulder.
